Cozy Southwest Chicken Soup Recipe That Warms Your Soul
Simmering with robust southwest chicken soup flavors, this hearty bowl promises a culinary adventure that’ll warm you instantly.
Tender chunks of chicken nestled among vibrant vegetables and aromatic spices.
Each spoonful tells a story of bold, zesty ingredients dancing together.
Regional ingredients from New Mexico and Arizona inspire this comforting classic.
Smoky chipotle and fresh cilantro create an irresistible depth that makes ordinary soup extraordinary.
Colorful bell peppers and black beans add surprising texture and nutrition.
You’ll want to grab a big spoon and savor every delicious moment.
What To Serve With Southwest Chicken Soup
Fun Additions To Southwest Chicken Soup
FAQs For Southwest Chicken Soup
This soup packs a flavor punch with its blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, creating an authentic Southwestern taste that’s both spicy and comforting.
Absolutely! Simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. You can control the heat level by adjusting the spices to suit your taste preferences.
Yes! It’s loaded with protein from chicken and beans, and includes nutritious vegetables like corn and tomatoes. The combination provides a balanced, wholesome meal with plenty of vitamins and minerals.
Definitely! Feel free to swap black and pinto beans with kidney beans, white beans, or any beans you have on hand. The recipe is flexible and welcomes your creativity.
Why Southwest Chicken Soup Packs Bold, Spicy Flavor
What Goes Into Southwest Chicken Soup
Main Proteins:Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:Liquid and Base Ingredients:Beans and Vegetables:Finishing Ingredients:Optional Toppings:Cooking Fats:Seasonings:Easy Steps To Make Southwest Chicken Soup
Step 1: Kickstart the Flavor Base
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in diced onions and let them dance and soften for 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle minced garlic into the pot and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic magic.
Step 2: Introduce the Chicken
Add chicken pieces to the pot and shower with an explosion of spices:Stir and cook for 5-6 minutes until the chicken develops a golden-brown exterior.
Step 3: Create the Liquid Foundation
Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juicy companions. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to start their delicious conversation.
Step 4: Bring in the Hearty Companions
Fold in the robust bean and corn team:Simmer the soup for 15-20 minutes, giving the chicken time to cook completely and letting all ingredients mingle and develop deep, rich flavors.
Step 5: Final Flavor Flourish
Squeeze fresh lime juice into the pot and sprinkle chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasonings, letting your palate guide the final touches.
Step 6: Serve with Flair
Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and crown with optional toppings:Serve immediately and watch everyone dive into this Southwest sensation!
Tips For Hearty Southwest Chicken Soup
How To Store And Reheat Southwest Chicken Soup
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Southwest Chicken Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Hearty southwest chicken soup delivers a flavor-packed journey through Mexican-inspired comfort cuisine. Spicy broth, tender chicken, and zesty vegetables combine in a bowl that welcomes warm and bold southwestern flavors you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Proteins:
- 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
Vegetables and Beans:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz/400 g) diced tomatoes (with green chilies for extra flavor)
- 1 cup (240 g) frozen or canned corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz/425 g) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh cilantro, chopped
Optional toppings:
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Sliced avocado
- Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a spacious pot over medium temperature. Introduce diced onions and gently transform them until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and allow its aromatic essence to permeate for roughly 30 seconds.
- Introduce diced chicken into the fragrant mixture. Generously coat with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Sauté the protein, stirring periodically, until exterior surfaces achieve a golden-brown appearance, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Cascade chicken broth and diced tomatoes into the pot, ensuring all ingredients are submerged. Elevate the liquid to a gentle, rolling simmer, allowing flavors to intertwine and develop complexity.
- Fold in black beans, pinto beans, and corn kernels. Allow the mixture to simmer and meld, ensuring chicken reaches complete doneness and ingredients harmonize, approximately 15-18 minutes.
- Brighten the soup’s profile by stirring in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Evaluate seasoning, adjusting with additional salt or pepper to personal preference.
- Transfer the vibrant soup into serving vessels. Embellish with optional garnishes like shredded cheese, creamy avocado slices, crisp tortilla strips, or dollops of tangy sour cream. Serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Spice Control: Adjust the cayenne and chili powder to match your heat tolerance, creating a personalized spice level that suits your palate perfectly.
- Protein Flexibility: Swap chicken with tofu, turkey, or shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick and versatile protein option that keeps the Southwest flavor intact.
- Veggie Boost: Enhance nutritional value by adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the simmering stage for extra vitamins and texture.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This soup tastes even better the next day, so consider preparing it in advance and letting the flavors develop overnight in the refrigerator for a more intense taste profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Jenna Stewart
Head Chef & Recipe Innovator
Expertise
Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.
Education
The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY
Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.
Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.